BOGOR, WEST JAVA —–— The Zakat and Charity Fund Management Unit (UPZDK) of Permata Bank Syariah collaborated with Dompet Dhuafa to hold a Launching & Training on Community Empowerment through the Bakso Gerobak (BAGER) Program on Monday (12/15/2025), at Zona Madina, Bogor. Attending the event were Deputy Director II of Dompet Dhuafa’s Empowerment Program, Mustika Sri Handayani; Deputy Chair of UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah, Awaludin Gumbira; Program Facilitators; and 20 beneficiaries of the Bakso Gerobak (Bager) empowerment program.
Mustika Sri Handayani said that the collaboration with UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah has been going on for a long time. Several years ago, various economic empowerment programs were launched by these two institutions, ranging from livestock farming and fishing to programs designed specifically for students.
“Alhamdulillah, this collaboration and synergy of goodness continues to this day,” she said.
The Bakso Gerobak Batch I empowerment program has been running for a year. This program initially aimed to help 30 survivors of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“They finally have a livelihood, can continue their children’s education who were about to drop out of school, and there is even another beneficiary who also participates in other Bakso Gerobak programs,” said Mustika.
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The Bakso Gerobak Program launched today is a follow-up to the previous program. This program aims to promote sustainable economic empowerment for the community.
Therefore, in addition to providing tools and materials, guidance and training on how to manage a business, from production and marketing to financial record-keeping, are also provided.
“We provide an all-in package, a complete package,” added the Deputy Director II of the Dompet Dhuafa Empowerment Program.
In line with Mustika, Deputy Chair of UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah, Awaludin Gumbira, hopes that this program will be beneficial and encourage independence for more people.
“So that in the future, mustahik can become muzaki,” he said.
Awaludin expressed his appreciation to Dompet Dhuafa for being a mediator of kindness.
“Without Dompet Dhuafa’s role, we would have difficulty finding suitable beneficiaries,” he said.
“Hopefully, there will be many things that we can synergize in the future,” he added.
The Deputy Chair of UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah also advised beneficiaries to have a big vision so that they can improve their existing businesses.
“Starting from a meatball cart, maybe after that they will have their own meatball kiosk or canteen and continue to scale up,” he said.
However, he reminded them that only their own will and determination can change a person’s fate. Quoting Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11), which states, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
The Bager program has helped post-pandemic survivors get back on their feet and have a sustainable livelihood. From a meatball cart to a dream kiosk!
Friends, channel your Ziswaf so that economic empowerment programs such as livestock, fisheries, and other MSMEs can continue to run and help those in need. Help more mustahik to transform into muzaki.
For your information, UPZDK Permata Bank Syariah stands for the Zakat and Charity Fund Management Unit of Permata Bank Syariah. This unit is part of the Sharia Business Unit (UUS) of PT Bank Permata Tbk, which manages and distributes zakat, infaq, sadaqah, waqf (Ziswaf) and other charitable funds.
UPZDK serves as a bridge for Permata Bank Syariah to fulfill its social responsibilities and contribute to the welfare of society through the structured management of Islamic philanthropic funds. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Aji Pangestu
Editor: Dhika